Let’s talk about… Clumber Spaniels: what are they?
- Clumber Spaniels are a delightful and distinctive breed known for their long, low-set bodies and expressive faces.
- Originally from France, they were developed to be excellent hunting dogs, particularly for retrieving game from land and water.
- Clumber Spaniels have a distinctive gait known as the "Clumber Roll," where they have a rolling motion when they walk.
- Clumber Spaniels have a sturdy build, with males typically reaching a height of 43 to 51 cm and females averaging slightly smaller at 41 to 48 cm.
- In terms of weight, males usually weigh between 29 to 34 kg, while females range from 25 to 29 kg.
- Clumber Spaniels have an average life expectancy of 10 to 12 years.
What is the temperament of Clumber Spaniels like?
- Clumber Spaniels are known for their gentle and affectionate nature.
- They are typically calm and easygoing dogs, making them excellent companions for families and individuals alike.
- They are generally good with children and can get along well with other pets if properly socialised.
- Clumber Spaniels have a loyal and devoted disposition and thrive on human companionship.
- However, they may also display a stubborn streak at times, so consistent and patient training is important.
- Positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats, praise, and rewards, work well with this breed.
How much exercise do Clumber Spaniels need?
- Clumber Spaniels have moderate exercise needs and typically require around 1 to 1.5 hours of exercise per day.
- They enjoy leisurely walks, playtime in a secure area, and mental stimulation activities such as puzzle toys or nose work.
- Engaging them in activities that tap into their natural instincts, such as retrieving or swimming, can be highly enjoyable for them.
- It's important to note that Clumber Spaniel puppies have different exercise requirements.
- As puppies, they should engage in shorter play and exercise sessions to avoid putting excessive strain on their developing joints and muscles.
- Consult with your vet for specific exercise guidelines based on your Clumber Spaniel's age and development.
Do Clumber Spaniels need a lot of grooming?
- Clumber Spaniels have a dense and weather-resistant double coat that requires regular grooming to keep it in good condition.
- They have a soft undercoat and a straight, dense outer coat.
- Regular brushing, ideally a few times a week, helps to prevent matting and keep their coat healthy and free of tangles.
- Pay attention to areas such as the ears, feathering on the legs, and the belly, as they may require extra care.
- Clumber Spaniels are moderate shedders, and more intensive grooming may be necessary during shedding seasons to manage the increased hair loss.
- Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that often, just do it as often as you can.
Are Clumber Spaniels easy to train?
- Clumber Spaniels are intelligent dogs but may exhibit a somewhat independent and stubborn streak at times, which can make training a bit challenging.
- However, with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement techniques, they can be trained successfully.
- Early socialisation is important to expose them to various people, animals, and environments, helping them develop into well-rounded and confident dogs.
- Clumber Spaniels respond well to reward-based training methods, where they are praised and rewarded for desired behaviours.
- It's important to make training sessions interesting and engaging for them to keep their focus and prevent boredom.
What do Clumber Spaniels eat?
- Clumber Spaniels should be fed a high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level.
- It's important to follow the feeding guidelines provided by the dog food manufacturer and adjust the portion sizes as needed to maintain a healthy weight.
- Most do well being fed twice daily.
- Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs and should be fed a specially formulated puppy diet until they reach approximately 12 months of age.
- Puppies should be fed 3-4 times a day until they are six months old then twice daily.
- The transition to adult dog food should be gradual and based on the advice of your vet.
- Avoid overfeeding and excessive treats to prevent weight gain, as Clumber Spaniels can be prone to obesity.
- Consult with your vet for specific dietary recommendations for your Clumber Spaniel.
Are Clumber Spaniels healthy?
Clumber Spaniels, like any breed, can be susceptible to certain health conditions. While they are generally considered a healthy breed, there are a few health concerns that potential Clumber Spaniel owners should be aware of:
Bones and Joints
- Hip Dysplasia - a condition where the thigh bone and pelvis do not sit together properly at the hip joint, which can lead to discomfort and arthritis
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) - in this condition the discs of the spine are abnormal and can slip out of place and put pressure on the spinal cord, which can lead to pain and/or paralysis
Ears
- Outer Ear infections - the ear canal, and sometimes the ears flaps have an overgrowth of bacteria, yeast etc. which can cause signs including irritation, inflammation, smell and thickening of the ear canal tissue
Eyes
- Dry eye - an ongoing condition where the tear glands in the eyes don’t produce enough protective tear film, which can lead to discomfort, infections and damage of the eye
- Entropion - this is where the eyelids roll in, causing eyelashes to rub onto the surface of the eye
Skin
- Atopy - when the immune system overreacts to an allergen and results in skin irritation.
This list is by no means comprehensive. If you have any concerns about the health of your Clumber Spaniel or want to discuss further if this breed is right for you, consult with your veterinarian.
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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog’s health, contact your local vet.
